'Did Axel punish him?' Evelyn wondered anxiously. 'Did he send Ryan here and forbid him from returning to his post because of the accident?'
Her heart clenched at the idea.
She rose from her seat, her movements slow.
"Ryan," she asked gently, "did Axel punish you? Is that why you're here instead of the Valley?"
Ryan stiffened instantly, his spine straightening as though he had just been addressed by a superior officer. His eyes widened for a brief second before he shook his head.
"Ma'am, Master Axel did not punish me," he replied quickly. Too quickly to cause Evelyn to be suspicious about it.
Evelyn studied his face, her gaze soft but searching.
"Then why do you look like you're asking for forgiveness?" she asked quietly.
Ryan hesitated. His jaw tightened, and after a moment, he lowered his head. "Because I failed to protect you once."
Her heart clenched. She was surprised to hear his words.
